From the banks of the Rio Grande to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the southern reaches of Texas are renowned for their incredible birdwatching opportunities—but there’s a wide array of species to be discovered in the interior of the state as well. Just 45 minutes from downtown Austin, the city of Bastrop is best known for its high concentration of historic buildings, but beyond the downtown core, the region’s sprawling forests and many water features play host to all sorts of native birds.
"Bastrop has diverse habitats within easy driving, walking and biking distance,” says Luke Thompson, President of the Bastrop County Audubon Society. “Over 366 species can be observed throughout the year. Birds from throughout North America funnel through Bastrop during fall and spring migrations making Bastrop an ideal location for birdwatching.” And for those wishing to discover the avian diversity of the region firsthand, there’s no shortage of essential sites found just past downtown limits.
For first-time visitors to the area, Bastrop State Park serves as a top spot for birdwatchers thanks to its rich array of native species. Established back in 1933, this storied preserve boasts more than 800 hectares of pristine Lone Star State wilderness, with vast swathes of loblolly pine forest and lengthy hiking trails snaking across the area. During a visit, guests can look forward to spotting indigenous avian species like the golden-crowned kinglet, scissor-tailed flycatcher and the northern mockingbird, a charismatic animal that’s served as the state bird of Texas since 1927.
Further west, Bastrop visitors can make their way to McKinney Roughs Nature Park, a top summertime destination thanks to its rich diversity of warblers. Throughout the season, species like the yellow-rumped, orange-crowned and Nashville warbler are all potential visitors to the area, while the region also offers the opportunity to spot rarer species ranging from the MacGillivray's warbler—a colorful animal that winters in Central America—to the cerulean warbler, a small bird that’s renowned for its vibrant plumage. And as an added bonus, the park is also equipped with Zip Lost Pines, a top destination for outdoor adventure lovers that offers five dual zip lines alongside sky bridges and spiral staircases.
And of course, the surrounding Colorado River serves as a major draw for birders as well. During a trip to the 26-hectare Colorado River Refuge, classic North American species like the northern flicker and cedar waxwing can be spotted from the park’s many hiking trails, while shorebirds ranging from the great blue heron to the American woodcock can be found searching for prey along the banks of the river. After a thorough birding session,
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